Common Questions About Therapy

Therapy is a good step for anyone who is interested in improving the quality of their life. Together, we will identify barriers that are keeping you from achieving your goals and having the life that you want. You will gain insight into your emotions and behaviors and develop new strategies for all kinds of life challenges.

    Confidentiality between a client and therapist is protected by the law. Information is not shared with anyone   without your prior written consent, with the exception of the following   situations:

• Suspected child abuse, dependant   adult  or elder abuse. Therapists are required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If there is suspicion that a client is threatening serious harm to another person, or the property of another person, the therapist is required to notify the police and attempt to warn the intended victim, if that information is known.
• Client's intent to harm themself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, additional measures may be required in certain circumstances.

There are many valuable benefits to participating in therapy. Talking with a therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or can point you in the direction of a solution. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Understanding  yourself, your goals and values 
• Building skills for better relationships
• Improved self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• Resolving problems
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing emotional pressures such as anger, grief, depression
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing problematic behavior patterns and developing healthier ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

Therapy sessions are individualized to the client’s needs and goals. We focus on identifying problems in thinking or behavior that are keeping you from the quality of life you want.  We do this through talking, as well as other creative means at times. Once identified, we begin creating new thinking and behavior patterns that consistent with your goals. Therapy is most often about 50 minutes sessions, ideally once per week, but again this is individualized. Therapy can be short or long term, depending on the complexity of the presenting problems. Therapy will challenge your current way of managing problems and will ask you to come out of your comfort zone at times. It’s most effective when you are   actively participating, both during and between sessions. This is the process of change and growth, and a necessary component in effective therapy. What you can expect:

• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Identification of  persistent, troublesome behaviors patterns 
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

I cannot prescribe medication, but in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of  action. Working with a psychiatrist or your primary care provider will determine any medication  needs you may have. Medication alone will not create the changes in your life that you want. Therapy is best course for the behavioral and cognitive changes necessary for success. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.